The official start of summer might still be a couple of weeks away, but Baton Rouge already has started down the southern Louisiana path of 90-plus degree days. That means it's time for those of us without the convenience of a home pool to start staking out a sweet summer spot to cool off.

Baton Rouge offers several local watering holes, so to speak, for children and adults alike to kick off their shoes and relax. From the local public pools to one or two new additions to the city, our guide to beating the heat in the Capital City is your go-to for the summer.

We've also included a few tips for those days when getting to the pool might not be an option. After all, the local pool isn't the only way to escape the sun.

BREC public poolsThe city boasts three public pools, but one of them will not open for the summer. Although the Gus Young Park swimming pool will remain closed due to a broken circulation line, City-Brooks and Howell opened at the end of May. Both are open daily from 1 to 5 p.m., and a fee of $1.25 per person is charged per day.

Liberty Lagoon, located at 111 Lobdell Ave., is just one of many ways to beat the heat in Baton Rouge this summer. Check out NOLA.com's guide to staying cool in the Capital City. (Photo courtesy of BREC)

Liberty LagoonBesides the public pools, BREC also operates a water park at 111 Lobdell Ave. The park includes a lazy river, water slides, a lap pool, sand volleyball court and some kids' water attractions. Entrance is $8 for those under 4 feet tall and $10 for those above 4 feet tall. The park also has a concession stand with various offerings. Children aged 2 and under are free. Tubes for the lazy river, which are rented for a whole day, are an additional $1.

Liberty Lagoon hours through Aug. 4 are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday; and from noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday. From Aug. 10 through Sept. 2, the park is open only on Saturdays and Sundays.

Catch a flickOne of the best ways to escape the sun is to head indoors, especially during the middle of a long day. Check out one of the summer blockbusters at your local movie theater. NOLA.com movie writer Mike Scott routinely posts about local movie listings, including those for Baton Rouge.

Go big or go homeOne of the first things Baton Rouge visitors see coming from Interstate 10 westbound is the giant water and amusement park Blue Bayou and Dixie Landin'. The looming height of waterslides such as Lafitte's Plunge and roller coasters such as the Ragin' Cajun hint at the excitement inside the gates. Combined, the parks contain nearly 50 rides and attractions. Ticket prices include access to both parks.

Admission is $36.99 for those above 4 feet tall, and $29.99 for those under 4 feet tall and seniors. Children under 35 inches are free. Blue Bayou and Dixie Landin' is located at 18142 Perkins Road.

And your little dog, tooHumans aren't the only ones who need a dip in a pool. Bring your pups to the Burbank Dog Park at the Burbank Sports Complex at 12400 Burbank Drive to allow your furry friend a quick romp in the splash pond at the park. The park is the city's largest enclosed dog park, which means they can roam free without any human worry. We suggest keeping a few towels in the car to help Fido dry off before the drive home.

Lemonade offers a quick refresher during the long, hot days of summer.The NOLA.com / Times-Picayune archive

High societyIf you'd rather leave the kids at home for the evening, check out the 12th-floor rooftop pool at L'Auberge Casino and Hotel, located at 777 L'Auberge Ave. Known as the Sunset Society, the casino and hotel opens up the pool to non-hotel guests on Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. Drink specials are available at the rooftop bar, and live music or a DJ create a soundtrack for the evening. Entrance is $10, but high-rollers can secure a private cabana through the casino.

On the lake, not in itAlthough swimming in the LSU Lakes isn't exactly recommended, you can float on top of them. Rent a kayak, hydrobike, pedal boat or paddle board and take a spin around the lakes from Ocean Water Rentals on the LSU Lakes, located at May Street and Dalrymple Drive. No reservation is necessary, but renters must be at least 18 unless accompanied by an adult. Open from noon until "official sunset" Thursdays through Sundays. Fees vary depending on length of time and boat type.

Stir up some cashThere's nothing more refreshing on a hot day than a nice sip of tart and sweet lemonade. Mix together your favorite batch -- or try this kid-friendly recipe from NOLA.com food writer Judy Walker's files -- and take a swig. You also could try doubling or tripling the recipe to sell in your neighborhood with the kids. Economics and business lessons during the summer? It could happen.

Tubing on the riverA quintessentially summer activity in the South, tubing seems to have caught on in a big way in the past few years. Although Baton Rouge doesn't offer a river where tubing is allowed, Tiki Tubing in Denham Springs is only about 40 minutes from the city center. Tiki Tubing is located at 33203 Louisiana 1019. Tubes range from $19 to $59. Ice chest floats are $8.

Trade the sun for the starsEscape a scorcher by taking advantage of the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium at the Louisiana Arts and Science Museum in downtown Baton Rouge. The planetarium boasts a 60-foot domed theater that shows various sky shows, visual music shows and digital movies. The full schedule is available on the LASM website. Entrance to the planetarium requires an additional fee to museum gallery entrance, information for which is also available on the LASM website.

Open up a new worldThe East Baton Rouge Parish Library hosts activities and readings at branches throughout the city. Libraries are a great place to take advantage of some chilly -- and free -- air conditioning while wrapped up in a new book or two. You also can sign up for a library card to borrow the book and take it home at the end of your visit.